A-Z: Andersons in Zimbabwe: Eyes for Zimbabwe, Sore Feet, and Persuade

"Eyes for Zimbabwe"

These two lovely ladies at Stable's Market requested some "reading" glasses so they could read the Books of Mormon we gave them a few weeks ago. Reeve Nield is over the charity, "Eyes for Zimbabwe" and graciously donated 2 pairs each. We didn't know both ladies needed them, but Reeve is always inspired. Dorkas and Millania with Lottie are so pleased with their new glasses. They sell linens and baskets at the Stable's Market every Saturday. 2023.05.20

I finished reading the Book of Mormon on Friday for the first time as a full-time missionary. We were challenged as Zimbabwe missionaries to mark all the names of God and Christ in red and all Christ-like attributes in blue as we read. We become closer to Christ as we study the character of Christ and His attributes in the Book of Mormon. As you can see, my pages are full of red and blue. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and teaches all about Him within its pages.

A new restaurant in town, "The 3 Monkeys", we went with all the senior missionaries last Tuesday for Sister Lanae Poulter's birthday. The food was delicious and we love having leftovers to lunch the next day. 2023.05.16

Bruce's feet have really been bothering him due to wearing steel-toed shoes on the construction site. We both bought some fairly expensive pairs in Utah at Sketchers for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple Site (HZT). After a few days, Bruce's feet were killing him so he donated his pair to "Robert", the tallest plumber we knew on site, who might wear a size 12 shoe. Bruce found another inexpensive pair of steel-toed slip-ons at Halsteads, a hardware store, and they were the only size 12 left. He said they were comfortable but his plantar fasciitis continues to bother him. Wednesday, we were at the Nields; Reeve gives the missionaries free haircuts (there's nothing she can't do!) Bruce asked Lolly, our athletic pro-golf friend, where he could find a good pair of running shoes. She said, "Wait just a minute" and ran out to the storage containers. The Nields and Lolly have 5-6 containers on their estate with donated clothing etc. for pre-missionaries. The Nields put the African future missionaries up in apartments they've built, free of charge, and help them get their missionary medicals completed. Lolly came back with 4 pairs of shoes. She had asked what size I wear. I told her "8" in running shoes, but a 7.5 due to my wide foot. She had a running shoe and construction slip-on for Bruce, both size 12 that fit perfectly. She had a size 7 Oasics and slip-ons for me. I didn't think they would fit. The Oasics I bought in the USA are size 8 and getting pretty worn; these size 7 fit perfectly. Another miracle of the shoes. Bruce has been wearing the donated shoes on site and they fit better and help his feet. Lolly was so inspired to bring him 2 pairs of shoes that day. Reeve says Lolly will go into a dark non-lit container and always pull out exactly what the person needs. She is one of the "Zim 3 Nephites"!

Golf Lessons with a pro, Laurette Maritz "Lolly" at Price's Range, 2023.05.20

After shopping at the open Stable's Market and a nice massage at our apartment from Clotinda, we headed out to Chitungwisa to see Persuade. Persuade invited us out to where he "stays" and had a "surprise" for us. We didn't know what to expect and after several attempts at calling him, we were a bit worried. Chitungwisa is about 45 minutes south of Harare. We never know what the drive will be like or if our Google map will take us to the right place. We ended up in a busy African town "ghetto" with a lot of side-street markets selling used clothing, fruit, and necessities. The dirt roads always have a lot of potholes and we are grateful for the 4-wheel drive. We got to the place we thought Persuade would meet us and the phone didn't work. Persuade called us earlier and said he didn't have data so "What's app" texting wouldn't work either. After trying 5-6 times we finally got a short pick up and he said he was coming. Persuade walked over from his neighborhood. Most Africans in these villages don't own cars. We really stand out as the only whites and the only ones with a new truck. I was secretly fearing we'd be murdered any minute! We were glad to see Persuade's smiling face coming around the corner after waiting 15 minutes. Persuade directed us through some small dirt streets with lots of happy children playing soccer with a homemade "garbage sack" ball. We parked outside a small cement home with 3 ladies standing in wash basins hand- or should I say "foot" washing their clothing, They go to the borehole at 04:00 a.m. to get fresh water in buckets for their use. I am amazed by their humility and happiness. Their humblest means would be poorer than the poorest homes in Cache Valley, but they are so happy and don't even realize what they don't have. It makes me feel so grateful but also prideful for how many things we are blessed with materialistically. Persuade's surprise was having his brother, Lovemore, there to visit and his friend, Moses. He brought us into his very small living quarters; one room without electricity and a small twin bed made from plywood and blankets. He wanted us to pray with them and teach them the gospel. While we were there the sister missionaries, Sister Sibanda and Mabhena, called about Persuade's lesson. We told them we could come pick them up and show them where Persuade lives. They were surprised to teach a whole group of 7 adults and 5 children along with Elder Anderson and me. They taught the first lesson on the "Restoration" of the gospel with power and conviction. The Spirit was strong and they asked them to pray about what they were teaching so they could know the truth for themselves. All the "family" was invited to church the next morning. We were so grateful to be part of this teaching experience and know Persuade is very eager to learn about the gospel and be a missionary himself.

Missionary Lessons for Chitunwiza Family

Elder Anderson, Persuade, Moses, and Lovemore, 2023.05.20

Persuade told me how he travels in the "boot" or trunk of the combi/buses because it's only $0.50 otherwise the travel fee to work is $1.00 each way; too expensive. Bless his soul! I've seen feet and legs hanging out of the trunks and worried maybe a dead body was hanging out; now I know why! He and his brother, Lovemore, did go to church on Sunday and the sister missionaries met again with them.

Confirmation Day for David and Agnes Solani, we had their family over for a spaghetti dinner after church. We love this family, 2023.05.21

Today was confirmation day for both David and Agnes. Bruce was able to lay his hands upon their heads and confirm them to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, They were also sustained as the newest members of our Highlands Ward. The bishop also asked Bruce to ordain David to the office of a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. What a wonderful honor. We invited David, Agnes, their children: Penashe Jess and Kunashe (JoAnna), and Anges's sister, Idah, and her daughter, Putsy over for a spaghetti luncheon after church. We really enjoyed their company. We bought a lot of fresh vegetables to make a tossed salad, add to the spaghetti sauce, and have a fresh baguette of bread from the Saturday market. I attempted lemon squares (didn't quite set up) and we enjoyed gelato in 4 flavors. We can't say we are starving in Africa but eat quite well. We've found a favorite Thai and Indian restaurant along with many others nearby.

Bruce was able to take the sacrament over to Lolly, Reeve, and her widow mother, Iris. They are always so grateful for the sacrament, being homebound with health issues. Bruce told them about our trip to Chitungwiza and teaching Persuade. He broke down in tears telling them about his humble bedroom and board he sleeps on. Lolly asked Bruce to wait a moment and returned with a solar lamp and a bed pad and comforter; just what Persuade could use to have light to read and a softer sleep. Another miracle at the Nields in charity and faith.

Reeve Nield, Lolly Maritz, and Iris Nield, Sabbath Day, 2023.05.21

We went on our afternoon Sunday walk and gave this lady and her family a Book of Mormon. She tried to teach us to balance this bag on our heads, but we failed! It was actually quite heavy and she showed us how she could run and turn with it balancing. The African women cease to amaze me.